Putin Rejects Zelensky Meeting, Calls Letter Rude
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- Vladimir Putin said at the St Petersburg economic forum that there is "no point" in meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky after Zelensky's open letter requesting direct negotiations and a ceasefire.
- Vladimir Putin called Zelensky's letter "rude" and insisted that any peace talks must precede a ceasefire, emphasizing that Russia will only end the war when Ukraine withdraws from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and abandons NATO aspirations.
- Volodymyr Zelensky replied on Telegram that Russia is "choosing war again" and expressed disappointment that Putin rejected his proposal for a face‑to‑face meeting.
- Donald Trump remarked that it would be great if Putin and Zelensky met, indicating U.S. interest in a direct dialogue.
- Ukraine reported striking five ships carrying illegal cargo in the Sea of Azov and in waters of territories occupied by Russia.
Why it matters: Ukraine loses a diplomatic opening as Putin dismisses Zelensky’s overture, while the strike on five Russian ships underscores Kyiv’s willingness to pressure Russia militarily and signals a continued escalation.
